.<2?s<? 



F 268 



A MEMOIR 

Copy 1 



Gen. Christopher Gadsden, 



HEAD BEFORE THE 



South Carolina Historical Society 

By F. A. PORCHER, 

PRESIDENT SOUTH CAROLINA HISTORICAL SOCIETY. 



PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF THE SOCIETY. 



CHARLESTl )N. S. C. 

THE JOURNAL OF COMMERCE JOB OFFICE, 
No. 28 Chalmers Street. 

1878. 



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26655 




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Memoir of Gen. Christopher Gadsden, 



As I pass in review the history of Royal Navy, and the King's Col- 
South Carolina and the illustrious men lector for tlie Port of Charleston. 
jrh ise precepts, but still more whose ex- Sent to England for instruction, lie re- 
am pies made her what she was, I have ceived a classical education, to which he 
always regard id Christopher Gadsden as subsequently added a knowledge of some 
one of the noblest of that noble band, of the oriental tongues. Returning from 
His was the stern virtue which we were England as a passenger on board a King's 
long taught to believe, charactei d ship, the purser died, and Mr, Gadsden 

ancient Spartan, tempered by the mild was appointed to take his place, and con- 

inftuences of the dern Christian, lie tinued to hold it for about two years. He 

was perhaps, what in our degenerate then left the service and devoted himself 
days would be called an impracticable to mercantile life, which he followed 
man; (hat is, a man who could not bend with great success in Charleston. Like 
Ironi the dictate of principle to that of many other merchants of this time and 
policy, and could therefore, be neither a place, he was also engaged intheoceu- 
good party leader, nor even a good party pation of a plainer. It was whilst en- 
man, lie toll. .wed always the impulse gaged in these pursuits that he construct- 
or incorruptible honesty, and was the ed the wharf which still hears ids name. 
impersonation of the most exalted chiv- This kind of architecture seems to have 
airy. Pear and favor were alike foreign pleased him, and to have .-ailed out his 
to his nature. lie respected himself, mechanical powers. In 177ii, when Gen. 
and reverenced his < Ireator. 1 luty had uo Lee insisted on the necessity of having a 
more obedient follower; truth no more bridge from Sullivan's Island to Had- 
devoted servant. Enthusiastic even to dreli'sPoint.soas tofurnishan escape for 
rashness in the cause of American Inde- the troops under Moultrie and Thomp- 
pendence, his capacious heart beat as son in case of disaster, Mr. Gadsden, 

Keenly lor the wrongs of Massachusetts then Col< 1 Gadsden, in command at 

as for the insults to Carolina. He served Fort Johnson, undertook the work, and 
his whole country with his whole heart, from his own resources and his own 
and when he died and his remains were money, in a very lew days, completed the 
committed to the keeping of his mother desired work. 

earth, she closed upon the noblest heart In 17a!i when Governor Lyttleton made 
that ever beat with love for his country's his expedition against the Cherokees, 
virtues, or bled at witnessing the out- there was not a single field piece mount- 
rages which were heaped upon her do- ed in all Carolina. Mr. Gadsden, whowas 
v. iied bosom. a member of the Legislature, obtained 

More than seventy years have passed the passage of an act for raising a com- 
since he was removed from the sight of pany of artillery. He was appointed the 

man, and few memorials are left to record I laptain of this i lpany, and at the head 

his acts. A meagre account of his life is of it, accompanied the Governor into the 
to be found in the chapter of biographical Indian territory. This was the origin of 
notices in Ramsay's History of South what, after many changes and enlarge- 
Carolina, and tradition has preserved a ments, was afterwards known as the 
few anecdotes. In essaying at this time Ancient Battallion of Artillery, 
totrace the history of his life, I cannot It is well-known that, the unwise con- 
promise to add anything new. I can in- duct of ( tovernor Lyttelton resulted in a 
corporate into the memoir some of the peace so hollow, that at the very moment 
anecdotes, and a fortunate chance has that the people of Charleston were giving 
put me in possession of some letters him the honors of a triumphal entry on 
which shed a bright, but a transient light his return, hostilities more frightful than 
upon a portion of his history. While in ever were recommenced in the interior, 
this Centennial year men are everywhere In 1761 a well ordered expedition, com- 
celebrating the praises of the dead of old inanded by Colonel Grant, of the regular 
times, no fitter theme can be selected for army, with a detachment of British 
Charleston than Christopher Gadsden, troops, aided by the South Carolina mili- 
and in the humble hope of reviving his tia under Colonel Middleton, effectually 
memory, I offer to the Historical Society subdued the turbulent Cherokees and 
this contribution to the history of our gave peace to the country. I am notable 
State, as exemplified in the life of one of to find Mr. Gadsden's name among the 
her illustrious sons. officers of this expedition. In Colonel 

Christopher Gadsden was born in Middleton's subordinates were Moultrie, 
Charlestown, in 1724. His father was Marion and Pinckney, who afterwards 
Thomas Gadsden, a Lieutenant in the distinguished themselves in the war of 



the Revolution. It is more than likely died guineas a year, and another musi- 

that the artillery company was then im- cian was occasionally employed at fifty 

der the command of its founder. guineas a month, and the people who eti- 

On a careful revision of the history of joyed the means of indulging in such 
the country before the outbreak of the luxuries were going to hazard the 
war of the Revolution, it would seem that loss of all for a petty tax on 
two causes were at work in the several stamped paper, and a tax upon tea, 
colonies which harmonized with each a commodity probably unknown to nine- 
other, and brought the North and South tenths of the people of the colony. But 
to act together. The question of taxation there was another cause at work, one 
as such taken by itself was not sufficient perhaps more potent over the actions of 
to justify war, for surely, never was a men, which co-operated with the tax and 
people in Christendom so little disturbed fanned the flame of resistance, in fact 
by the tax collector. It is true that the gave energy and vitality to the tax; this 
conduct of our ancestors has been put on was the habitual contempt with whici 
the lofty ground of principle. It was American gentlemen were treated whe'rf-'' 
not the amount actually involved, but ever they had official intercourse with 
the possibilities of the future which British officers, both civil and military. 
guided our statesmen. I doubt whether Au order in council respecting the rank 
a prosperous people would ever exercise of American military officers was rou- 
se much self-denial as to hazard their sidered so outrageous to all manly self- 
prosperity because of a transient, and at respect, that Washington, who had struck 
the worst, rather vexatious stretch of the first blowinthegreat war knownasthe 
power. The causes lay deeper than in seven year's war, threw up his commis- 
this apparently lofty principle, and it sion in disgust. If he served with Brad- 
pleased Providence to afflict England at dock it was only as a volunteer. Brad- 
that critical moment with an obstinate dock had the good sense to value the 
and conceited King and vain and unwise presence of such a man on his expedi- 
Ministers. Had common sense gov- tion, an'd earnestly solicited his company 
erned the counsels of England, the epoch as a volunteer. It was his misfortune 
of colonial independence might have that illness prevented the volunteer from 
been indefinitely deferred. joining him until it was too late to save 

England was using her colonies for him. Colonel Middleton, of South Caro- 
her own purposes, and the fostering of lina, was hardly persuaded by Govemer 
her own industry. In the Northern Bull to take service under Colonel Grant 
colonies she saw not only possible, but in the Cherokee war; and the Governor, 
actual rivals in her own peculiar line of himself a Carolinian, knowing Dy expe- 
industry, and her jealousy was clearly rience the insolent temper of the British 
shown by an order which limited the officials, gave Colonel Middleton the ex- 
number of apprentices that any master traordinary power of resigning his coin- 
workman in the colonies might enter- mission whenever he should please. It 
tain. The people of New England there- would be an unnecessary digression to 
fore had real causes of complaint against dwell longer on that history here. 
the mother country, and the British Gov- This spirit of insolence was most offen- 
erument acted with consummate folly, sively manifested by Governor Thomas 
when by the irritating and vexatious Boone to the whole Legislature of South 
Writs of Assistance, followed by the greed Carolina, and Mr. Gadsden was, accident- 
of petty gain which proposed to raise a ally, an interested party in the trans- 
revenue by a tax on stamped paper, they action. 

gave the colonists a plausible ground for It had pleased Governor Boone to re- 
resisting both the tax and the harassing commend an alteration of the election 
and vexatious restrictions which had re- laws of the provinces. The Assembly 
strained their social and industrial not agreeing with the views of the Gov- 
growth. ernor, made no change in the law. Dur- 

At the South the case was different, ing the session, sometime after the organ- 

their productions fed the commerce of ization of the House, Mr. Gadsden pre- 

England and soon were even encouraged seuted himself for qualification as a 

by bounties. The restrictions on trade member for St. Paul's. After his cre- 

and industry were uncared for, because dentials were approved by the Assembly, 

they conflicted with no private interests, he was, according to an old custom, sent 

South Carolina in particular was a pet of to the Governor to take before him what 

the mother country. In 1773 Josiah was called the State oaths, viz: an oath of 

Quincey, of Boston, visited Charlestown allegience to the King, and an oath ab- 

and saw commercial activity, wealth juring all cognizance of the right of the 

and magnificence, which he did not be- Stuart family. When he presented him- 

lieve to exist in America. In this bar- self before the Governor, the latter not 

bor were upwards of three hundred and only refused to recognize him on account 

fifty vessels of merchants. The hospi- of the invalidity of his election, but dis- 

tality which he largely enjoyed, showed solved the Commons House of Assembly 

in every house luxury and wealth such for contumacy. 

as he had never conceived. At a concert In thus determining against the validi- 

of the St. Cecilia Society he saw upwards fcy of Mr. Gadsden's election, Governor 

of two hundred and fifty ladies. The Boone violated all parliamentary law, and 

music ot the concert was ravishing, established a personal despotism. Wher- 

Three members of the permanent band ever a representative body is known to 

wore employed at a salary of five hun- the law, it is invariably the final judge oi 



/ 



the qualification of its members. In the Government unwisely gave them a pal- 
next Assembly, which met in Pecember pable cause of complaint by the passage 
of that year, ' 1762, Mr. Gadsden was of the stamp act. The colonies were 
again a member. The Assembly imme- greatly.excited by the passage of this act, 
.iiatelv protested against the illegality of and the ferment exhibited itseli in several 
:hc late dissolution, and as the Governor of the legislatures. The General Court of 
would make no concessions, they de- Massachusetts, in .Time, 17ti.">, issued a 
clared that they would transact no bu- circular letter to the several colonies, 
siness with him until he should concede inviting them to meet each other 
the just claims of the House: and this by their deputies in New York, in the 
siate of defiant hostility continued for month of October following. [11 July the 
two years, until Governor Boone, wearied letter was discussed before the House oi 
with the contest, left the province and Assembly. Alter a long discussion, in 
went home. which the call was su pported by Mr. ltut- 
". During this suspension of legislative ledge, the subject was referred to a cora- 
' Imsincss he gave several exhibitions of mittee of which Mr. Gadsden was chair- 
petty and childish insolence which must man. The committee reported in favor 
have made a deep impression on a high- of the proposed Congress, and Christo- 
toned, generous and manly people. Dur- pher Gadsden, John Rutledge and 
ing this session, Sir John Colleton pre- Thomas Lynch, Sen., were elected to re- 
sented himself and claimed Ins seat. Alter present the Colony. This action of the 
bis credentials were verified he was sent Assembly, Mr. Bancroft regards as the 
to the Governor to take the State oaths, founding of the American Union by South 



accompanied by Christopher Gadsden and 
William Moultrie, who were sent accord- 
ing to an old custom, first to certify to the 
Governor that the candidate had been 
duly elected, and then to certify to the 
House that they had witnessed the. ad- 
ministering of the oaths to tic new mem- 
ber. Governor Boone demanded of 



Una. "Massachusetts, he says, sound- 
ed the trumpet, but to South Carolina is 
it owing that it was attended to. Had it 
not been lor South Carolina, no Congress 
would then have happened. When we 

c nt up those who above others, con- 

ti United to the great result, wo are to 
name the inspired madman .lames litis, 



Messrs. Gadsden and Moultrie what was an d the great statesman, the magnani- 
their business there, and on being in- mous, unwavering, faultless lover of Ins 
formed in what capacity tlcy were there, country, Christopher Gadsden." These 
replied that the Assembly had no right to U re the words of Bancroft. The measure 
intrude visitors upon him, rang the bell, vvas supported by the eloquence of Rut- 
and ordered the servant who answered il ledge, but it was the zeal of Gadsden, 
to conduct these gentlemen out oi his which gave animation to the party of ex- 
house. Sir John Colleton was stopped, istence. In a letter written thirteen years 
and, it is to be supposed, took the oaths, afterwards to Wm. Henry Drayton, he 
The indignation of the Assembly at this says: "No man in America ever strove 
outrage offered to them through their more land more successfully) first to 
members may be conceived. At fust bring about a Congress in 1765, and then 
they refused to permit Colleton to take tosupportiteverafterwardsthan myself." 
his seat, inasmuch as none of their mem- Northern writers are disposed, I know 
bers had seen him take the oaths. Tins not why, to pass over (he services ol Rut- 
relented, however, so far as to permit ledge, and ascribe merit in preference to 
him to testify in his own case. Some any other claimant. I believe, however, 
time afterwards, when Sir John Colleton that in this case, but bare justice has been 
and Mr. Parsons were sent to attend a done to Mr. Gadsden. There was at that 
new member for the same purpose, the time this difference between his position 



loverner repeated the insult, with an ad 
ditional outrage. He refused the testi- 
mony of these gentlemen, as to the elec- 
tion of the new member, saying that he 
would examine the roll and judge for bound the colonies to the parent Stale, 
himself. 

Thus, now, were gentlemen, represi nta- 
tiscs of the people, who might he reason- 
ably supposed to represent the most re- 
fined class of the people, rudely dism' 



and that of Mr. Rutledge; the latter was 
earnest in hoping for a redress of griev- 
ances; the former, even then looked for- 
ward to a severance of the tie which 
Mind th 

The Congress of 1765 did little besides 
making tile several parts of America 
known to each other. Two of the dele- 
gates of South Carolina, Mr. Lynch and 

from the Governor's housed and their Mr. Rutledge, were at the head res] - 

testi v refused as untrustworthy. Is lively of the committees to address, the 

it surprising that such gentlemen should one, the House. >f Lords, the other, the 
eagerly catch at any opportunity for re- Commons of England. Here again, Mr. 
venge which offered itself? And shall we Gadsden gave an exhibition of his stub- 
be thought to diminish the lustre of their born consistency. As a subject of the 
fame, when we impute to wounded pride King, ho would address him on the sub- 
file bold determination which they not jecL of the grievances of the people, but 
lone- afterwards made to sever lien. lie would stoop to no petition to either 



selves entirely from a Government 
which could with impunity thus reck- 
lessly insult them ? 



House oi Parliament. "The House 

Com in ons, he said, refused to rcccix e He 
addresses of the Colonies, when the 



Whilst the petty and childish insults of ter was [.ending; besides, we hold our 



Governor Boone were still rankling in 

the hearts of these gentlemen, the British 



ights neither from them nor from the 
Lords," but he was induced al la-t I. 



withdraw his opposition, for, said he, the mercantile interest generally, 

nnion is most certainly all in all. two sets of candidates were presented to 

It is known that ii' the action of the the voters. Representatives of each were 
Congress was inoperative, the sturdy elected, Mr. Gadsden, Thomas Lynch, 
opposition of the people caused the re- and Edward Rutledge, representing th< 
peal of the Stamp Act. From this time extreme party; Henry Middleton, and 
until the next Congress, in 1771. we tin. I John Rutledge, the moderate party. Mr. 
nothing to record of Mr. Gadsden. Gadsden and J. Rutledge were respec- 
That he was diligently engaged in his tively the representatives, the first of the 
private business we know, and also* that extreme party for resistance, the 
he was generally a member of the Com- latter lone; continued to hope for 
mons House of Assembly. In 1773, a very a restoration of the old pleasant 
intelligent gentleman from Boston, -Tosiah relations with England by a redress- 
Quincy, saw him one day in the House of of greivanaes. The former was even 
Commons, and recorded a few Words of a before this time, anxious for inde- 
speech which is worth preserving as a pendence, the latter came very slo* v 
photograph memorial of the man. In his and very reluctantly into the "measure. 
journal, of March 19th, 1773, Mr. Quincey As the delegates elected represented the 
says: "Spent all the morning in hearing twoparties.it was agreed that no motion 
the debates of the House; hail an oppor- or resolution of the "Congress should be 
tunity of hearing the best speakers of the binding upon the colony, unless it was 
Province. T. Lynch, Esq., spoke like agreed to by the deputies of the colony. 
a man of sense and a patriot, wi6h dignity. They went to the Congress unpledged, 
tire, and laconism. Mr. Gadsden was uninstrucied. The people had perfect 
plain,blunt, hot and incorrect, though very faitii in their patriotism and their wisdom. 
sensible. In the course of the debate he It was desired to give the delegates an 
used these very singular expressions for official sanction by legislative action; but 
a member of Parliament, 'And, Mr. Goy. rSull had always kept a strict eve 
Speaker, if the Governor and Council over the House of Assembly, and inva- 
don'tsee fit. to fall in with us, I say let riaftly prorogued it whenever he thought 
the general duty law, and all. go to the it was Reading on dangerous ground. On 
devil,sir,and wegoaboutourbusiness." ■' the present occasion it had been pso- 
itis but a glimpse of the earnest man, rogued to the second of August. It was 
— but it reveals a world of character — he an old custom of the House to meet at 10 
was very unparliamentary, but he was o'clock, but now all business had been 
very much in earnest. secretly arranged, and at 8 o'clock the 

We will not repeat the oft-told story members were in their seats; a message 

of British taxation and American re- was sent to the Gove.mor, to inform him 

sistance. You remember that a scheme of their organization, and they instantly 

was cunningly devised by which the adopted two resolutions, one' approving 

people would be enticed to drink and confirming the election of the rive 

their tea and pay the obnoxious duty, gentlemen whom the people bad chosen, 

Alarmed at the' prospect of seeing a anil another providing for the expense of 

whole people recreant to their pledges their voyage. The Governor, informed' 

by the" allurement of cheap tea, the of the unusal meeting of the House, in- 

leaders of the revolutionary movement stantly sent for them to prorogue them. 

organized resistance throughout the But he was too late. In less than half an 

country against this insidious measure, hour the House had met, resolved, and 

In many' places, in this city among was prorogued. 

others, the tea was openly put away for In this Congress we find Mr. Gadsden 
destruction. In Boston a party of dis- always acting with those who were fore- 
guised men went by night to the wharf most in leading on the revolution. Nay, 
where the tea laden vessels were lying, he may be said to have been the foremost, 
took out the accursed thing and cast it Fancying that war was inevitable he 
into the sea. The open and undisguised wished to secure to his country all the 
resistance met with no rebuke; but as all advantages possible, and he urged upon 
attempts to discover the Boston rioters the Congress the expediency of at- 
were baffled, the ministry lost their tacking Gen. Gage in Boston at once and 
temper, and, in an unguarded moment, defeating him before he could obtain re- 
annulled thecharterof Massachusetts,and inforcements. He was described by some 
closed the port of Boston, making all of the members as "if possible, worse 
commerce with that city a punishable than ever; more violent, more wrong- 
offence, headed." The non -importation and non 

This high handed act of oppressive exportation agreement was passed, with 

vengeance acted through the whole an exception in favor o' Carolina rice, 

country like an electric spark. All felt Mr. Rutledge gave good and satisfactory 

that the cause of disfranchised Massa- reasons for this exception, but Mr. Gads- 

ehusetts was the common cause. At the den stood alone in bis opposition to it, and 

call of New York a Congress of the Colo- even on his return home made efforts to 

nies met in Philadelphia, in September, have the exception rescinded. Interest 

1771. The Representatives from South and expediency were powerless with 

Carolina were chosen by a general vote him when principle was involved, 

of the citizens. The first measure of re- When the delegates returned home the 

sistence which suggested itself was a subject of the exception of rice from the 

general non-importation and non-expor- non-intercourse agreement wasdiscussed, 

fat ion agreement. This was opposed by and Mr. Gadsden earnestly moved that 



■*ne exception be repealed. But Mr. Rut- from Long Island. It is well knownth&l 
ledge insisted that the exception was the General Lee looked upon the tenure of 
■only means by which the North and the Sullivan'-s Island as a desperate measure. 
South could be placed on an equality of aud but for the obstinacy of President 
suffering in the non-intercourse measure Rutledge, he would have drawn off the 
■of resistence. It is, perhaps on account troops. He insisted upon the necessity of a 
of his speech on that occasion that he has bridge across the north channel, so that 
ever since been made the object of relent- the troops might retreat to the main land if 
less criticism by a certain party at the necessary. This work was accomplished 
North. at his own expense, by Colonel Gadsden. 

He sat 1 "that he was in favor of im- The successful defense of the Island, by 
mediate non-intercourse, hut the Con- Colonel Moultrie and Lieutenant-Colonel 
gress, in their wisdom, had postponed Thompson, deprived Colonel Gadsden of 
it until the following September. That any participation in the honors of the 
the Northern trade would be but 2xth of June. During the calm which 
'i' tie affected by the association, and he followed the storm of war, we have little 
saw no reason why our's should be to record. Both Colonels were soon after- 
ruined. It was evident, he said, that the wards taken into the Continental service 
Colonies were less intent to annoy the and commissioned as Brigadier-Generals. 
mother country in the matter of trade, In August, 1777, General Gadsden re- 
thau to preserve their own trade; so he signed his commission and served his 
thoughtit but justice to his constituents country afterwards entirely in civil life, 
to preserve to them their trade as entire The successful defence of the island by 
as possible." It is very remarkable that Colonel Moultrie aud Lieutenant-Colonel 
this language should have been used re- Thompson, deprived Colonel Gadsden of 
specting the different positions of the any participation in the honors of the 
North and the South, not only by those 28th June. During the action which fol- 
who were founding the Uuioti, but at the lowed the storm of war we have little to 
very moment the work ol L'uiou was record. Both colonels were soon after- 
going on. wards taken into the Continental service, 

The exception was retained by the As- and commissioned as brigadier-generals. 
sembly, but Mr. Gadsden, though over- In August, 1777, General Gadsden re- 
ruled in this matter, does not seem to signed his commission and served his 
have lost the confidence of his constitu- country afterwards entirely in civil life, 
ents. He and Mr. Rutledge were both The accidental preservation and dis- 
returned to the Congress of 1775. covery of a small letter-book shed a ray 

Before that Congress met, the revolu- of light upon both his. own history and 
tionary war had commenced in the that of the State during the years 1777 
skirmish at Lexington, and the Provin- and 177S, and with this precious relic be- 
■cial Congress immediately set about or- fore one it is very hard to resist the 
ganizing the military force of the temptation to make full copies of his 
province. In pursuance of this organiza- letters. 

tion, Mr. Gadsden was elected Colonel of The resignation of General Gadsden 
the First Regiment of Foot, and William and the duel which arose out of it be- 
Moultrie of the Second. Both these gen- tween him and General Howe, is an 
tlemeu had seen service iu the Cherokee episode in the lives of both these gentle- 
war, and though elected on the same day, men, of so remarkable a character, that 
Colonel Gadsden was the senior of Colonel one who undertakes to give the history 
Moultrie, and on his return home to serve of General Gadsden's life can scarcely 
his country in the army, he assumed the refuse to narrate it. With every disposi- 
-commandof all the forces of the province, tion to see General Gadsden always right, 
It appears by a note iu Moultrie's Me- I am constrained to say that in this mat- 
moirs that he assumed the command in ter he appears to me to have been wrong. 
February, 1776. But he was, if I may so express myself, 

Iu March, of that year, it was found gloriously wrong. Iu the annals of pri- 
absolutely necessary to establish civil vate warfare there was never exhibited 
government in South Carolina ; the Pro- such pure chivalry, such perfect devotion 
vincial Congress, therefore, adopted a to the point of honor as was shown by 
Provisional Constitution, tinder which him on this occasion. Major Andre, who 
John Rutledge was elected President of seems to have had a keen sense of hu- 
South Carolina. It was thus that, the call mour, amused himself and the public by 
of the citizens for their services at a humorous balled on the occasion of the 
home, deprived Gadsdeu and Rutledge, duel; but though the British officer 
her two most eminent citizens, of the laughed, he could not but show the pro- 
distinction of enrolling their names found respect with which he was in- 
among the signers of the Declaration of spired by the high aud gallant bearing ol 
Independence. the two gentlemen who' furnished food 

Early in June, General Charles Lee for his mirth. The account of the meet- 
arrived in Charleston, and assumed the ing deserves to be studied by those per- 
general direction of military affairs, sons who in these modern times have 
Colonel Gadsdeu's post was at Fort John- converted the chivalrous settlement of 
son. Colonel Moultrie was stationed at a the point of honor into a barbarous and 
point on Sullivan's Island, which com- sanguinary riot. 

manded the entrance into the harbor, and The origin of the dispute lay in the 
Colonel Thompson at the northeast of the unsettled relations between the States 
Island, to prevent the landing of troops and the Congress. When General Lee 



arrived in Charleston, in June, 1776, the months before the date of his letter, that 

general direction of military affairs was is about May 1, after he had been more 

committed to him, but the Executive re- than six months in undisputed command 

linquished none of his rights as com- of this post, General Gadsden desired to 

mauder-in Chief. Thus President Rut- know by what right be commanded, and 

ledge wrote to General Moultrie, "General claimed that he himself was the natural 

Lee wishes you to evacuate the fort. You commander in South Carolina. General 

will not, without an order from me, and Howe explained to him his right, and 

I would sooner cut off my right hand showed the error into which General 

than write one." Gadsden had fallen respecting conflicting 

Not long after the action of fort Moul- claims of right. On the request of the 
trie, General Lee left Charleston for his latter that the matter be referred to Con- 
mad expedition against Florida. He gress. General Howe replied that as he 
had Howe and Moultrie in his army, had no doubt respecting his own right he 
Colonel Gadsden was probably left in would express none, but if the other 
defence of the city. Lee had not pro- desired it he would communicate tb*«- 
ceeded further than Savannah when an doubts to Congress as his, and this was- 
express called him to join Washington assented to. At a subsequent interview 
at the North; he obeyed the order, went a few davs afterward General Howe was 
North, and immediately entered upon led to believe that General Gadsden was 
that course of capricious opposition now satisfied as to his right, and the letter 
to the Commander-in-Chief which was not written. One day in August they 
resulted in his rediculous capture met at the house of President Lowndes, 
by a scouting party of the Brit- and General Gadsden inquired whether 
ish army. On his return through the letter had been written as had been 
Charleston he left General Moore in com- agreed, and on General Howe replying in 
mand, with a body of North Carolina the negative and giyina: his reasons for 
troops. Moore was succeeded by Nash, not havingdone it, he said that the matter 
and on his departure General Howe, the should be brought before the House of 
senior officer, assumed the command. Assembly. A motion was accordingly 
He was from North Carolina, and by his made shortly after by Wm. Henry Dray- 
own account well connected in both the ton, to inquire into the nature of Gen. 
Carolinas. On the 29th October, 1776, he Howe's com mand in tbisState. The motion 
published in orders the promotion of was, in my opinion, very properly re- 
Colonels Gadsden and Moultrie to the fected, and Gen. Gadsden immediately 
rank of Brigadier-General, and assigned resigned his commission into Gen. Howe's 
to them their respective commands, that hands. This is a brief of Gen. Howe's 
of General Gadsden being on Sullivan's letter, and I do not believe there was any 
Island. On the 23d August, 1777, General statement in it, which Gen. Gadsden con- 
Gadsden resigned his commission into tradicted. The rest of the story shall be 
the hands of General Howe. Unfortu- told in his own words: 
uately, while General Gadsden has pre- "On the 11th of August, I received by the 
served for us General Howe's report of General's Aide-de-Camp, a long expostu- 
the affair, he did not take the same pains latorv letter, dated two davs before, with 
to preserve his reply to General Howe. demand for satisfaction at the close, 
He had a profound reverence lor the unless I made him reparation for the ex- 
Congress, and it was this reverence which pressions I had made use of, relative to 
induced him to send his resignation to him in my letter of the 4th of July. I 
General Howe, and not as many other wrote for* answer next morning, that, I 
aggrieved officers had done- directly to was ready to give him an v satisfaction he 
Congress. Hesupposed thatsomeinquiry thought proper, when and where he 
would be made by the Congress as to the pleased. That I thought him the aggres- 
cause of his resignation, and he was hurt sor in having wrote such an unnecessary 
at its being received without any com- detail of that matter in it, omitting my 
merit. As he was in a manner the origi- principal objection, and especially for not 
nator of the Congress, he felt that his letting me, whom it so nearly concerned, 
resignation ought not to have been have a copy of it, and that he had nobody 
accepted without his being allowed an to blame but himself— that I never saw 
opportunity of vindicating himself. He his detail, which had such immediate 
wrote often and confidentially to his effect, for ten months after the date of it. 
friend Win. Henry Drayton, and through Three letters from him and two from me 
him received in June, 1778, a copy of passed before the matter came to a point. 
Howe's letter to Congress. To this letter In his. he gave me assurance that be did 
the General replied in a letter dated July not mean in anything he said to reflect 
4, to Wm. Henry Drayton, a copy of upon or injure me, and as to the breach 
which was sent to General Howe. This of promise I accused him of, he declared 
letter, in his subsequent correspondence, he really understood me as he had set 
he refers to continually as a Public letter, forth, so that if there was a fault, his un- 
and perhaps it was because he so con- derstanding and not his integrity was to 
sidered it, that he took no pains to pre- blame; and had he imagined I w'ished to 
serve it. Unfortunately, Mr. Drayton did see his letter, he should most cheerfully 
not so consider it, and made no effort to have sent it to me; that he had not the 
publish it among the members of Con- least wish to conceal it from me. My 
gress. This letter was the cause of the friends, Col. Elliott and Col. Horry, who 
duel between the two Generals. were the only persons that had the least 

General Howe says that about four hint of this affair from me, seemed to 



think this a great concession, and re- Gadsden, 'Fire, sir.' General Gadsden' 
quired some notice or apology on my side, said, 'Do you fire first.' General Howe 
and our friend Col. Piuckney, who was replies, 'We will both fire together.' 
the General's second, appeared to be of General Gadsden made no answer, but 
the same opinion. But I, looking upon both presented. There was a pause for a 
it only as private and personal to me; few seconds, and General Howe lowered 
and whereas the expressions of me, he his pistol and said, with a smile, 'Why 
particularly referred to, (ot my letter to won't you fire, General Gadsden?' Gen- 
you) related to the manner of a public eral Gadsden replied, 'You brought me 
act, his getting as it seemed to me, in out, General Howe, to this ball-play, and 
command here, and as I did not see how ought to begin the entertainment.' Gen- 
it was possible with any kind of propriety eral Howe fired and missed. General 
or adherance to truth, to abstract the Gadsden, after a short interval, fired his 
private letter from the public, I deter- pistol over his left arm, about at right 
mined to make no concession, but to angles from General Howe, and then 
)eet him in any manner he pleased, called out to General Howe to fire again. 
Accordingly we met on the 30th, and General Howe smiled, and at the same 
were placed at the distance of eight very time dropping his hand, with the pistol 
small paces. As the Generai demanded in it, said, 'No, General Gadsden, I can- 
satisfaction of me, and I had already not, after this.' General Gadsden's sec- 
taken mine by exposing his letter with ond said he was glad to see so much 
my observations thereon, I was deter- honor in the General; that he did not 
mined to receive his fire, which I accord- think General Gadsden could have made 
ingly did — after some time, fired my a handsomer apology, or General Howe 
pistol broad off, and called him to fire have shown a higher sense of honor than 
again, which he declined. The matter in acting as he had done. Then Gen- 
thus being over, I thought the apology, eral Gadsden went up to him and said: 
or rather the notice my friends seemed to 'Now, General Howe, I will mention to 
think due on his concessions, would you what I could not do before, as my 
come in with propriety, I thereofore told letter was a public one, and the words 
him that though I might perhaps men- contained in it seemed to me proper; and 
tion the matter again, yet he might be as your's was a private one,the parts in it 
assured that I shall never in future, make which, in the opinion of my friends, left 
use of any harsh exposures concerning an opening for an apology, I could not 
him." take notice ol; but I told my friend 
This narration, compiled from original in the carriage, before I came on the 
sources, shows that Dr. Johnson was in ground that I intended to receive your 
error in stating in his Traditions of the fire; and though I may, perhaps, "talk 
Revolution that the duel arose out of this matter over again, I assure you I 
strictures by Gen. Gadsden of Howe's shall never in future make use of any 
conduct of the Florida expedition. I harsh expressions concerning you.' Gen- 
will supplement this account of the mat- eral Howe said that it was very agreeable 
ter with an extract from the South Caro- to him that the matter terminated in this 
linian and American General Gazette, way, and he was happy that he had 
dated Charleston, September 3, 1778. missed him. General Gadsden's second 
This report needs no comment from us, said he hoped now the differences that 
and I would commend it to the attentive had occasioned this duel might now sub- 
perusal of those gentlemen who, in side and be left on that spot. The Gene- 
modern times, have lost sight of the high rals, then, in token of this reconciliation, 
principle involved in the duel, and con- shook hands and parted." 
verted it into a means of blood thirsty The letters which have been my guide 
revenge: in the history of this duel show General 
"After the generals met and courteous- Gadsden during the same year as a magis- 
ly saluted each other, General Howe de- trate; and we still find the same indom- 
sired his second to acquaint his friends, itable courage in the discharge of duty, 
in case he should fall, that it was his earn- the same high regard for principle, and 
est request they should not prosecute the same respect for law and authority 
General Gadsden beyond the formality of which marked every incident of his 
a trial, and General Gadsden desired life. 

both the seconds to acquaint his friends. It must be remembered that in March, 
in case he should fall, that he entirely 1776, the Provincial Congress established 
forgave General Howe, and earnestly a provisional constitution for the goveru- 
begged them not to prosecute him; and he of the province during the continuation 
particularly enjoined Colonel Pinckuey of the unhappy disputes with the parent 
to charge his son not to intermeddle in country. Under this constitution John 
the affair at all. General Howe's second Rutledge was elected President, and 
then stepped off the distance fixed upon Henry Laurens Vice-President of South 
by him and Colonel Elliott— eight short Carolina. In March, 1778 the Legis- 
paces— and the Generals being placed, ture enacted a new constitution, and sub- 
Colonel Ellliott said: Gentlemen, we mitted it to the Presidentfor his approval, 
have marked out your distance, and Mr. Rutlege refused to approve of it, and 
leave you to act as you please, returned it to the Legislature with his 
not doubting but that, as this is reasons. It is out of our province to ex- 
an affair of honor, you will act consist- amine these reasons. Some cavillers 
ently with the strictest rules of hon- have inferred from a part of his speech 
or. General Howe then said to General that he still hoped for a reconciliation 



with Britain. Of this calumny his subse- nothing more, as I was prepared — than 
queut history is a sufficient refutation, what I did — laugh in his face. 
In order that the Legislature might have The President did all that he could do, 
free liberty of action, his veto message but to no purpose. A meeting was called 
contained, also, his resignation. As the in the evening, Dr. Budd put in thechair, 
Vice-President, Mr. Laurens, was, at every press prohibited from priutiug the 
that time, President of the Continental proclamation, and the magistrates de- 
Congress, it was necessary to elect en- terred from granting certificates to the 
tirely new executive officers. Mr. penitent. At this crisis. I, Don Quixote 
{Rawlins Lowndes was elected Presi- Secund us, who had never acted the mag- 
dent, and General Gadsden Vice-Presi- istrate before, gave out publicly that I 
dent, and ex-offieio chairman of the Privy would give the oath of fidelity, and cer- 
Council. I said at the outset that he tificates to all applicants by the 10th, and 
must have been a bad party man. Here accordingly did to many. I was in the 
we have a little prool of it from his own midst of the people when I found them 
pen. In one of his letters to Mr. Drayton chiefly a mere mob, with here and the£< 
he asserts that this honor was con- some who ought not to have been, and I 
ferred upon him for the purpose of getting was sorry to see there; and had reason 
rid of him at future meetings of the to suspect that day much negative im- 
House of Assembly, and to make him pulse. I told them I advised the measure, 
ineligible to the next. He says: " I saw and that they should put a halter around 
plainly their views, but could not avoid my neck and hang me at once if they 
accepting without throwing the State into thought it wrong. That they had a con- 
confusion. But this I did not do without stitutional remedy. They might impeach 
letting them know I plainly perceived the President and Council if they had 
their motives," acted improperly, and that they had bet- 

Towards the end of March, 1778, the ter do that. But all to no purpose. In 
Legislature had passed an ordinance ex- my opinion, if they were not set on, the 
acting an oath of fidelity and allegience, old I leven was at heart, sorry for it." 
imposing severe penalties upon those General Gadsden further on intimates 
who should refuse or neglect to take it by that the parties engaged in the riotous 
■a certain day. Like all severe acts, it opposition to the President were ashamed 
was imperfectly executed. The time had of their conduct. But certain it is, that 
•spired, and there were many delinquents, the President was successfully resisted 
At the suggestion of the General Congress by a mob, and the proclamation was not 
and the Privy Council, President published. The truth was that the peo- 
Lowndes issued a proclamation to extend pie were never satisfied with the resig- 
the time for taking the oath. This act of nation of President Rutledge, and their 
indulgence gave rise to scenes which be- feelings were shown in factious op- 
trayed the weakness of the Government, position to his successor. In Sep- 
and the existence in the city of a power tember the Legislature met, and 
superior to the law. Whether the President Lowndes sent in his 
proclamation was printed I know not. message an account of the riots in op- 
I do not find it in the gazettes of the day, position to his proclamation. The 
but there is extant a letter from Gover- House of Assembly seemed to be un- 
nor Gadsden, who in consequence of the willing to deal with the subject, and after 
illness and domestic affliction of Mr. the lapse of a month, referred it to the 
Lowndes, was discharging Executive bu- consideration of the next House, that is, 
siness to Mr. Timothy, making an earn- to one which, according to the constitu- 
est appeal to him to print fifty copies, tion, would be be elected in the following 
This letter savours more of a petition January. Whereupon General Gadsden 
asking a fayor than the order of a Magis- wrote the following letter to the Hon. 
trate for the performance of work. The Thomas Bee, Speaker of the Commons 
rest of the story is best told in General House of Assembly, October 5, 1778: 
Gadsden's own words: "It, (the procla- "Dear Sir: The honorable House, 
-mation) was scarcely got into the Sheriff's thinking proper, after having had his 
hands, before some myrmidons alarmed Exceileney the President's message, rel- 
the town. We were setting up a procla- ative to his proclamation of the 5th June, 
mation against law — going to ruin their and the outrageous treatment it met with 
liberties — and what not? The proclama- from a part of the people of Charleston, a 
tion, I believe, was never read. A depu- month before them, to postpone the mat- 
tation was sent to the President, of Dr. ter to the next House, in parliamentary 
Budd, and some others. The proclama- language, 'ad Grecas Calendas, consider- 
tion was returned to him in my presence, ing the part I acted, in earnestly advising 
which of itself is insult enough, but be- that step, in which lam conscious of 
sides that, the spokesman, Ward, told having done nothing improper, I submit 
the President that he thought the people it to the House, how they think I must 
were right, and that he would lose the feel, under such, at least negative censure, 
last drop of his blood to support them, especially after the deliberately gross 
This I thought so high an insult that I treatment the Executive received from a 
immediately began with Ward, sarcasti- body of men, mentioned in no part of the 
cally applauded his heroism and great constitution, as I can recollect, who call 
exertions for the public good. In return themselves the Hint club, 
he told me I was a madman, but first The contemptible, surprising and use- 
took care to sneak out of my reach, how- less situation with regard to the public, 
ever. Had he not, I should have done I find myself reduced to, upon this oc- 



casiou, lays me under the necessity ol' Believe me, sir, the exquisite feelings 
entreating you to request the honorable arising from a consciousness • » f having 
House, for the public sake as well as my acted in this steady, uniform manner in 
own, to deliver me from it by accepting public life, has made me more than 
my resignation as Vice-President. It ampleamends for every neglect.eyery dis- 
may not be proper forme, perhaps, to let agreeable circumstance it has occasioned 
my feelings carry me further; am there- through selfish, ambitious, arbitrary, and 
fore resigned to stop here, it sir, you designing men whose private views have 
think my particular reasons following been occasionally thwarted thereby. I 
too tree, or will give offense to the House, have served with pleasure under the 
which I would be sorry to lie thought President and witness to his indefatiga- 
capable of intending. Hut if you judge ble attention to the public interest, not 
not, and the House will bear with the only in his present, but in several other 
remonstrance of an old and faithful ser- important stations on very trying ocoa- 
yant, I shall then be obliged to you to lay sious; have long and well known his 
-m before them." honest, sensible heart and fixed attach- 

. je letter is very long, anil must not ments to the public good, feel extremely 
be quoted at leugth. It fully justifies for his delicate situation, and most earn- 
Mr. Quincy's discription of his style as estly wish, for my country's sake, that he 
plain, blunt, hot and incorrect, though had that support he so much merited 
very sensible. He begins by avowing from every good and honest man in the 
himself the adviser of the proclamation, State, and to which as a private citizen I 
then shows the evil of mob law audits am hopeful to contribute my mite. In a 
inevitable tendency to degrade and mil- public station, as times go, I can afford 
lify the legitimate government. Here- none. Give leave to conclude, with de- 
fers casually as to a thing well known to daring that had I not thus shown my 
the circumstances which led to his elec- public resentment in the strongest man- 
tion as Vice-President and the reasons ner I am able, against the proceedings 
which induced him to accept it, and he justly represented by the President in 
concludes with this touching and manly his message of the 3d of September, I 
defence of his whole life: "I have had, should have ever thought myself accoun- 
without asking or soliciting any man's table for all the riots and mobs through- 
vote, directly or indirectly, the honor to out the Stale that may happen in conse- 
serve my country for many years in va- quence of that which happened iu 
rious stations, always totally devoted to Oharlestown, the 5th of June, and as 
that particular part occasionally alloted having abetted the artful opposers and 
tome — never quitting it while the least disturbers of the peace, by negatively at 
hope remained of having that necessary least, assisting them in their indirect, un- 
support the station required. Zealous derhanded praeticings in the weakest 
and attentive in all to the honor of the part of the Constitution, the present 

public and their nearest concerns; un- allowed dispoporti if members in order 

biased either by friend or foe — intimidat- to throw all into confusion, and when an 
ed by none— constantly attending to my opportunity serves, get the whole new 
duty while a member of Assembly— mak- modelled more to their gout, and 
ing'no promises, but always keeping my- as sacrificing the duty I owe as officer to 
self disengaged upon every ques- the whole slate, to the idle tickling of a 
tion for every officer whatever momentary popularity with a too assum- 
wanted for any department of the State ing small part." 

or concerning any other matter of Without pretending to decide the 
moment, 'till it came before the House, merits of the controversy between the 
and then voted according to my own President and Gen. Gadsden and thrf 
judgment for the good of the whole, House of Assembly, I take pleasure in 
"always thinking it cowardly to leave the recording that the latter body was 
House on a division upon any question composed of gentlemen. Not only 
whatever, unless it merely concerned were they not aggrieved at the 
myself, or I really did not understand the rebuke which the Vice-President 
terms it was put in. Seldom, upon administered to them, but they unaui 
making a motion, have I previously mously sent a deputation to entreat him 
secured even a second, but more than to withdraw his resignation. An extract 
this I always looked upon as caballing, from a letter to Mr. Drayton will explain 
warping men's judgments, and a kind of his conduct, and conclude the history of 
treason against, or at best pitifully and this affair: "The House met according 
dirtily crimping for the State; audit' I to adjournment, very few members in - 
now towards the close of a long, disin- deed; the President made a very proper 
terested and laborious service ask any and spirited representation of the be- 
favor, either of individuals or the public havior of the mob in Charleston on the 
iu general, let it be only to be looked 5th of June, which mob was ostensibly 
upon as a citizen detesting licentiousness on account of his proclamation, but 
and totally devoted to the cause of really (as I am verily persuaded ! artfully 
equal constitutional liberty, religious and stirred up and set a going by a cabal. 
civil to all, governor and governed, and The House, after having it before them a 
having not a desire, (and who never had) month, through the influence of the 
for himself and family in these respects, Town members, put it off to the next 
that he does not from the bottom of his House. In the meantime the President 
soul wish for every honest man in the and Privy Council are to put up with the 
State, and indeed iu all the world. insult. I was much afraid Mr. Lowndes 



LCI 

would have resigned, which would have ed by their paroles from doing anything 
put the State into great confusion, and injurious to the cause of His Britannic 
would have given the party, who were Majesty, yet the silent example of him- 
hopeful that officers would not have been self and others who fell with him, men 
found to set the new Constitution agoing, who were revered by their fellow-citizens, 
the utmost pleasure. The resignation of had a powerful influence in restraining 
the Council would have done the same; many from exchanging their paroles as 
as for ray part, as Vice-President, and a prisoners for the protection and freedom 
new election so near at hand, I thought of British subjects. After the unsuceess- 
mv resignation could be of little moment Ail attempt oi General Gates to relieve 
to'the State, and at the same time think- the State, Lord Cornwallis regarded it as 
jnf it would beof some good consequence aoonquered province, and utterly violated 
that some part of the Executive should the terms of the capitulation. On the 27th 
show a feeling upon so monstrous an in- August, General Gadsden, most of t lie 
suit as they received; I thought myself civil officers of the State, and some other 
in a manner peculiarly called upon to do whose attachment to the cause of the RTn - ^ 
it, from my station, and accordingly olution was conspicuous, were taken, 
wrote the within letter to the Speaker, early in the morning, from their beds 
which was laid before the House, who, I and their houses, and escorted by armed 
thought, would have accepted my resig- parties to the Exchange, whence they 
nation immediately. However," I was were sent to a guard ship, and a few days 
mistaken, for they did me the honor afterwards to St. Augustine, 
unanimously to send two members to This was a gross violation of the capit- 
desire I would continue. This I could ulation. General Moultrie, from his 
not refuse, therefore still remain in statu quarters in Christ Church Parish, whither 
•/no, and am not without reason to think he had been assigned on parole, wrote to 
my letter has done some good that may Colonel Balfour to protest against the out- 
appear in future." rage; to which the commandant replied. 
In January, 1779, the Legislature met that his letter was writien in such excep- 
in nursuanceof the provisions of the new tionable ami unwarrantable terms that it 
Constitution. In the same month, John should not be answered. Nothing daunt- 
Rutledge was elected Governor and ed by this repulse, the General made an- 
Thomas Bee Lieutenant-Governor. At other effort in behalf of the unfortunate 
what time Gen. Gadsden was elected to prisoners, to which he received a verbal 
the latter office does not appear, but it was answer, that the commandant would do 
probably in 1780, when Thomas Bee was as he pleased with the prisoners, for the 
sent to Congress and the approach of the good of His Majesty's service, and not as 
invading English army caused the Legis- General Moultrie pleases, 
lature to adjourn, after having conferred On their arrival at St. Augustine, the 
upon Governor Rutledge those extraor- prisoners were offered the liberty of the 
dinary powers which have since given town on their parole. This General Gads- 
bim the title of Dictator. It maybe ob- den indignantly refused to give. " I gave 
served, in passing, that this extraordinary my parole once," he said, "and it has 
power,' conferred bv the Legislature, is a been shamefully violated by the British 
sufficient reply to those malignant cavil- Government; I shall not give another to 
lers who see in Rutledge's veto of the people on whom no faith can be reposed." 
Constitution a longing to go back to He was told that a dungeon would be the 
British rule, and in his parley with Gen- alternative. "Be it so," be answered, 
eralPrevost, in 1779, a treasonable attempt "I give no more paroles to British offi- 
to effect the same object. cers." The next day he was confined in 
Whilst the siege of Charleston was a dungeon of the castle, were he remained 
going on, General Lincoln pressingly forty-two weeks. A common soldier, 
urged Governor Rutledge to leave the honoring the invincible firmness of the 
town with the whole of his Council, hero, offered to supply him with light- 
thinking that the civil authority of the for he was allowed no other light but that 
State would be more advantageously exe- of day, as this was contrary to orders, 
cuted in the country than in the besieged the General refused to accept the offer, 
metropolis, and that thus the executive Among other objects to which he devoted 
authority might be preserved, even if his enforced leisure was the study of the 
the Capital should fall — that the citizens Hebrew tongue, and he came out of the 
in the country should not conceive them- dungeon a more learned man than when 
selves deserted in the hour of danger, he entered it. 

In pursuance of this advice, Governor British severity did not deny them 
Rutledge left Charleston April 12, 17S0, books, but the prisoners wore studiously 
with three of the Privy Council. Lieu- kept misinformed respecting affairs at 
tenant-Governor Gadsden, with the other borne. The prospects of America were 
five remained, to await the issue of the brightening, but they were led to believe 
siege. A month afterwards, May 12, that ruin was hanging over them. They 
Lincoln surrendered his army, and by were threatened with being called upon, to 
the terms of capitulation, Lieutenant- expiate the death of Major Andre. They 
Governor Gadsden, together with all patiently endured all threats and out- 
others who held any civil authority, were rages, and not one sued for British pro- 
held as prisoners of war on parole. tection. 

It is needless to say that General Gads- After ten months of seclusion. General 
den though a prisoner, was firm to the Gadsden was liberated and sent with his 
cause of independence. Though restrain- fellow-prisoners to Philadelphia. So 



II 



heard of Greene's successful campaigns In compliance -with the instructions 
after the disastrous defeat of Gates. Gen. contained in his Will, his body was de- 
Gadsden hastened home to assist in re- posited in the family cemetery, in the 
covering South Carolina from the Brit- western church yard of St. Philip's, and 
ish, and was immediately elected a mem- the grave levelled— no stone marks the 
ber of the Legislature, which met in spot of his final resting place. 
Jacksonboro, 1782. Governor Rutledge, In reviewing the history of a country, 
laid down his office before the Legisla- we remember those only who have done 
ture, and Gen. Gadsden was elected to deeds that fire the imagination of the his- 
the vacant place. He declined the honor, torian. Brilliant talents dazzle for a day, 
however sayiti" ■ and secure for their possessor the plaudits 
"I have served you in a variety of sta- °, f contemporaries, but when time stills 
■us for thirty years, and I would now the echo ot applause, the memory of the 
c.erfully make one forlorn hope on popular favorite passes away and poster- 
an assault on the lines of Charleston, if >% regards h.s name with listless em- 
it was probable that with the certain loss os i,y- . , . , ,, „ , - 
of my life you would be reinstaied in We cannot claim for the hero of our 
your capital. What I can do for my conn- sk <*ch tie performance of any of those 
try, lam willing to do. My sentiments great actions winch are among the land- 
forthe American cause, from the Stamp »»ark ? of history, and outside o South 
Act downward, have never changed. I Carolina h.s name is probably in the great 
am still of opin on that it is the cause of catalogue ot undistinguished celebrities 
liberty and of human nature. If my ao- **? shone for a day, and then passed into 
ceptanoe of the office of Governor would oblivion But in South Carolina he has 
serve my country, though my admiuis- a claim to our fond regard not so much 
tration would be attended witli the loss of £' what he did as for what he so largely 
personal credit and reputation, I would helped to do. If. in the his ory of our 
cheerfully undertake it. The present foun ry the South and South Carolina, 
times require the vigor and the activity has had an undue share of influence in 
of the primeof life; but I feel the in- guiding the political bark i was he re- 
creasing infirmities of age to such a de- f, lllt . not of the brilliant talents but of 
gree that I am conscious I cannot serve the solid character of her representatives. 
you to advantage. I therefore beg that They were felt to be men who might be 
you would induFge me with the liberty of trusted; who had noselhsh ends to carry; 

declining the arduous trust." wh ° had ""' ?" e ™ le ol •*» ln bo . th 
B private and public life, and that was de- 
He was indulged in his request. But votion to truth and to right. Men who 
though he declined the office of Chief act thus are representative men — a poor 
Magistrate, he continued to serve the constituency can never send such men to 
State both in the Assembly and in the represent them. They choose men like 
Council. Notwithstanding the long con- themselves. 

finement which ho had suffered in the A good public sentiment is formed by 
castle of St. Augustine, and the immense the influence of the men who stand at the 
loss of property which the war had caused head of society. As they direct, the 
him, he was one of the few who, in the masses think and act; and here is South 
Jacksonboro Begislatnre, opposed the Carolina largely indebted to Christopher 
bills for confiscating and amercing the Gadsden. He was the soul of honor, 
estates of those who had opposed the rev- His youth and early manhood were spent 
olution. In December of that year he where corruption in high places had 
had the satisfaction of witnessing the de- reached its highest point in England; but 
parture from Charleston of the British his pure spirit shrank from contamina- 
fleet and army, and the consequent resto- tion. He was the soul of integrity. The 
ration of the whole State to the govern- natural effect of the Revolution was to 
ment of her own citizens. Prom this produce anarchy, and disobedience to law 
time forward his life was devoted to pri- and authority. The wise spirit of Chris- 
vate pursuits, except in two cases. In topher Gadsden saw the danger and re- 
1788 he was a member of the Convention sisted it, and in his own person set the 
which ratified the Constitution. To this highest example of obedience. He was a 
object, all the aspirations of his life were living illustration of dutv. It was not he 
devoted. He had in 1765 founded the alone that moulded public sentiment; no 
American Union by his exertions in the 'one man could do it; but he was foremost 
Provincial Assembly, and he had the among those who were unconsciously en- 
pleasure, twenty-three years afterwards, gaged in that good and noble work," and 
to assist in ratifying it by an act which he to no one is more applicable the motto 
fondly hoped would make that Union proposed by Major Gorden as his epi- 
perpetual. In 1790 he was a member of taph: 

Convention which formed the new Con- In difficillimis Keipublicas temporibus 

stitution of the State. He was now sixty- urbe.n nunquam deserui, in prosperis 

six years of age, and he lived fifteen years nihil de publico delibaui ; in desperatis 

longer a private citizen with the good nihil timui — [Cic. 



LIBRpRY OF CONGPFcc 

Hi 



UBBABVOFCONGBESS 



014 417 



305°. 



Hollinger 

pH 8.5 

MiU Run F03-2193 



